Does Satin Stretch? (How to Stretch Satin Shoes or Dress)
It is not always easy to stretch some fabrics out so that you do not have to replace old clothes that don't fit anymore. There are processes you can use to stretch fabric and prevent them from being tossed aside. The key is finding the right process for the fabric.
Does satin stretch? This is a hard one to call. Someone said that satin did not stretch especially if the wearer is well endowed. One way to stretch the fabric is to use some baby shampoo and loosen the fibers up a bit. But like shrinking, there are no guarantees.
To find out if you can stretch satin just continue to read our article. It has the information to guide you when you want to stretch out your satin garments and have them fit again.
Is Satin Stretchable?
It may be possible but we found no contrary answer to the comment we already quoted. It seems that satin is not made to stretch when it is made out of pure silk and other fibers. There may be some stretch to the material but how much is anyone’s guess.
It is not like the shrink factor where satin reduces by 10 to 20%. Everyone knows about that fact. There is one way that satin will stretch though. That way requires the fabric to be blended with a stretch material like spandex.
Then you get some stretch out of the fabric and can be more comfortable when you wear stretch satin instead of pure satin. A polyester, spandex blend satin will give you about 15% stretch.
Since the fabric is used for athletic shoes and ballet slippers then some of the different styles of satin should have some stretch to them.
Can Satin Be Stretchy?
It can be if it is blended with the right stretchy fabric. Spandex is the go-to material to lend a hand in helping spandex stretch. The amount of stretch you get out of pure satin is up in the air.
Because of the type of weave that produces satin, you may only get enough stretch that is normal to the fabric being used to make satin. When blending the materials, all it takes to get a good stretch is about 3% spandex.
Even when polyester is used, the satin finish is still exquisite and quite appealing. But if you are looking for a lot of stretch from pure satin then you are going to be disappointed.
Satin is not selected by dress designers because it can stretch. It is chosen because it drapes well and has a very special feel to it. The main issue you have to worry about with this fabric is that it will shrink before it will stretch.
What is Stretch Satin Fabric?
This style of satin is created by blending polyester fibers with spandex fibers. As stated earlier, all you need is a 3% spandex to create this excellent satin option. It is a perfect fabric when you have those special occasions where you want to look your best and still be able to move freely.
When it comes to evening gowns, satin, including the stretch variety, is chosen for its vibrant colors and its ability to make you feel like a princess. That is why it is a preferred fabric for wedding dresses.
Also, stretch satin works well in headbands. The fabric not only looks good but keeps you nice and comfortable as you go about your day. Having a little stretch makes it easier to move and prevent any embarrassing moments you would like to forget.
Does Twilled Satin Stretch?
There is some stretch to a twill satin fabric. Not a lot and it is rated as low when it comes to measuring the stretching capabilities. If you are looking for a lot of stretch you should not be looking at a twill satin fabric.
Then the word twill is like the term satin. It is not a particular fabric but describes the style of the weave. In this case, the word twill tells you the weave has a diagonal style to it.
Twill is one of the original styles of weaving when it comes to textiles. Unlike satin which has a straight weave,m twill’s fibers end up on a diagonal scale which may impede stretching.
There are 8 steps in creating the twill pattern and weave. Denim is one of the more famous fabrics that use this style of weave for its construction.
Can You Stretch Satin Shoes?
Yes, you can stretch satin shoes. You may want to do it yourself or you can take your shoes to a professional to make sure the job gets done right. The choice is yours to make and if you are thinking of doing it yourself you need to be prepared to take a little pain when you use certain options.
Stretching can also take a little time and you should block out enough time when you are not wearing the shoes. As always and no matter which fabric you need to stretch, care needs to be taken.
It is hard to control the amount of stretch and if you are not careful then you may go too far and now have to think about shrinking them. Also, satin will stain from water use. You have to be extra careful when you use a stretching option that includes the use of water.
How To Stretch Satin Shoes Wider
There are several methods you can choose from and as already mentioned, the professional option is usually the best method to use. That is if you can afford it. The professional knows what to do and has the right tools and chemicals on hand to get the job done the way you want it.
If you can’t afford to hire a professional, then you can buy a stretching solution. This option has to be applied to the inside of your shoe only. Then you have to use it every day until the shoes get wider and fit your feet.
But if you do not want to use a stretching solution you can always wear thick socks with the shoes. This is the painful option you may want to avoid. Also, you may not want to wear thick socks and satin shoes in public, so do this method around the house.
The next method is to buy a shoe stretcher and follow the instructions. This is the same piece of equipment professionals use and if you feel confident then this method may work for you. The risk here is going too far.
Finally, you can wet a towel and stick it inside your shoes and let dry. Make sure not to have the wet cloth moisten the sating exterior or you may have a water stain on your hands to deal with.
Stretching Ballet Shoes
The best method is also the most painful. You need to wear those ballet shoes as you do your housework or other activities around the house. You can wear a pair of comfortable socks on your feet to help with blocking the aches and pain that will come during this method.
The next method that may work and we are not saying it is the perfect one for satin, is to use your hairdryer. Put on some socks then the ballet slippers and hit the fabric with hot air from your hairdryer.
20 seconds may be all that you will need to help the fabric stretch. Just do not overheat the fabric or you will have other issues to worry about. Then there is the freezer method. Fill plastic bags with hot water and place them in your ballet shoes.
Then place the shoes in your freezer overnight. Then in the morning let the shoes thaw and after that try them on. If they haven’t stretched enough do this process all over again.
Finally, try a shoe stretcher. Make sure this shoe stretcher works for women’s shoes and ballet slippers. Most men’s versions do not work for the latter pair of footwear. Follow the instructions to stretch the slippers out and make sure not to overdo it.
How To Stretch Out a Satin Dress
The consensus s that you cannot stretch a satin dress. One of the problems in trying to do so is the stitches and the seams. Any process you can use to stretch the dress may turn the seams into a mess and ruin the stitches. When that happens the dress can rip.
If you need to stretch a sating dress the best way to do it is to forget stretching the dress and go out and buy a new one that fits as well as looks great on your body. There are just too many things that go wrong when you try to stretch a satin dress.
You can try the baby shampoo and water or hair conditioner and water method but be prepared to be disappointed. Those methods while they work on other fabrics may not help you with satin.
Then you could try the baking soda, vinegar, and water method but do not expect any different results. Satin shrinks and there is no remedy for that shrinkage.
Different Types Of Satin
In creating this fabric, there are several different types of fibers used as well as different weave s that can be used. Each style has its own unique blend of both. Here are the different styles of satin:
1. Antique- this is where unevenly spun yarns are used for the weft threads.
2. Baronet- this style is created by using rayon threads as the warp and cotton threads as the weft.
3. Charmeuse- this is the French word that means charmer and any woman wearing satin may be ready to charm the men in the room. This is a lightweight satin with a nice drape.
4. Crepe back satin- this is the reversible fabric style. One side is nice and shiny while the other side has a crepe texture to it. You can wear either side out depending on your mood.
5. Duchess satin- this is the heavier style of the fabric and is often used for dresses. It can be dyed very easily usually in solid colors. It is also stiffer and doe snot have as much luster to it.
6. Messaline- made from either rayon or silk and can be very lightweight.
7. Polysatin- made from polyester threads. The name is just an abbreviation.
8. Slipper satin- this is the style that can be used for certain clothing items but is also found in shoes and other fashion accessories. This medium weight fabric is tightly woven.
Some Sewing Tips When Sewing With Satin
Satin’s reputation is that it is hard to cut, frays, and never lets you forget your mistakes. But it is still a good fabric to use when you want to create something special. Here are some tips to help you sew with satin:
1. Store it correctly- roll it around a cardboard tube to keep wrinkles away. Do not fold it.
2. Do a test with muslin first- this will help you overcome any challenges that may come with your pattern. Then when you are ready, use the satin for the real creation.
3. Keep your scissors sharp- this will help cut down on fraying.
4. Be consistent in your cuts- cut along the bias but make sure to make all your cuts the same way.
5. Don’t leave marks- use tailor’s chalk so the marks come out cleanly.
Some Final Words
While you may like your satin clothing, it is best not to try and stretch them. The results you get may be less than desirable.
